Weekend Stuff and B+

So here's the deal -- I'm gonna show you stuff since Friday.  Because seriously, when you get a chance to hug a giant bag of Skinny Pop popcorn, you document it.

Also?  Getting AWESOME seats at a Chicago Fire soccer game is a great way to end a kinda stressful week.

SPARKY!<3

It started raining when we sat down, and all through the game.  We hit up the concession at halftime to get a weather/water proof blanket.  It was the best purchase of my life.

We picked up Sophs Saturday and took FOUR BAGS of shoes and clothes to The North Face to recycle for #ClothesTheLoop!

We filled up the box.

Harry takes so many pictures that Google+ turns it into a gif that makes sense...kind of...

We might as well SHOP while we're there, right?

And finally got home, IMMEDIATELY jumped into our PJs, and started dinner:  PIZZA ROLLS.

And something sweet to end the day.

Sunday morning = CHILL OUT.  Sophs and I started the Spongebob Squarepants-athon around 8:00am. After some lunch and more chill out, we took off to explore some of Chicago.

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So now I'm going to get serious, albeit Marvelous, but in terms of training.  I have to take a week off from running.  This seems to happen to me right around the time that a new, more strict training cycle is about to happen -- I get the wonkies (for right now, a terrible headache and some Achilles weirdness is happening) and I need to rest.   So this week, I'm going to cycle, swim, and get myself back into Yoga.  

Rather than getting down in the dumps over something I cannot control, I'm going to remain positive in recovery.  I know that this can happen to me (it happened last year two weeks before Chicago Marathon training commenced), and I'm lucky enough to have the time and experience in training to know better than to freak out.  

And speaking of being positive, here's your *BRAIN HUG* for this Monday.:)

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Do you have a plan of action when you have to sit on the bench for a while?

Recycling shoes and/or clothes:  Do you do it?

Tell something marvelous that you're looking forward to this week!

#TOLT - More Inspo, Please.

Sometimes in training, in life, in anything that is worth something to you, you need a swift kick in the rear-end.  Sometimes, that fire is in you, but something slows you down.

I'm starting off my TOLT randomness with a video from my favorite athlete on the planet, Lolo.

1.  "If you fought through one thing, you have the strength and courage to fight again."

For the first time since 2005 I will not be able to return home for Drake Relays. This competition has had everyone from Jesse Owens to Micheal Johnson compete there. I was born in Des Moines, Iowa. I actually lived 10mins away from the Track growing up. In Elementary School I went to Drake relays for the first time. It was my first taste of a Track and Field meet. At the time I didn't know I would ever become an Olympic Track and Field athlete. I only knew that I wanted more. Drake Relays will always be special to me for inspiring my dream of running. Every person who attends Drake Relays knows it is one of the best Track & Field Competitions in America. I hope to see you guys next year. Have a funnel cake for me please.
Posted by Lolo Jones on Windsday, April 22, 2015

2.  I had a wonderful swim yesterday morning.  I'm finally in the mood to start working on distance. 3 x 400s (that will eventually become 4 x 500s).  I can't wait.:)

3.  One word:  KICKBALL.

4.  I had had a two-day brain pain.  I think it's the humidity...?  I got home and just went straight to bed.  I felt bad, since I was supposed to hit up track with the /R/iver /R/unners, but knew that it'd just get worse if I didn't rest.

I'm happy to say that it's gone now.:)

5.  Because we need a puppy video here.  Right.  Here.

6.  Some Earth love info from The North Face!  

And more about the #ClothesTheLoop program.  Get in on it this week, guys!



7.  And speaking of which, how did you celebrate Earth Day?

Source

8.  MORE INSPO.  Read the most inspiring Boston race recap from an elite HERE.

9.  MORE inspo, you say?!

Raise your hand (lol I'm such a teacher) if this applies to you, and it involves running, Yoga, something active and wonderful.

10.  And one more for the road.

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Show me some inspo!

Tell me -- how's training going?

Big plans for the weekend?

I Eat All Day Long.

I can't tell if The North Face sent me a couple of cold weather things at the first of Spring because they KNOW how Chicago weather can be.  Either way, I enjoyed covering up in the threads.

The North Face Dynamix Hoodie -- I loved what I called "the kangaroo pouch".  I threw my phone and keys in here, and plenty of other stuff could've fit.

Gorgeous sunrise!

I can't with the self-timer.:\

BUT I KEEP TRYING!:)

I finally, finally, finally got a hold of some budget cash and finally, finally, finally got some pinnies.  I was so excited to see them in use for the first time that I decided to document it.  The fifth graders were pretty happy, too.

And onto my meals throughout the day -- #WIAW

Hotel breaky (I didn't take a picture of my eggs and toast and banana yesterday, but you have to know that this muffin was the BEST I've ever had!).

The usual morning snack ("second breakfast"?).

The usual lunch.

("Second lunch?")

("Pre-dinner"?)  I seriously can't stop grazing, and I want to keep fueling throughout the day.

Dinner last night:  Chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice!  <3

And a brew from Jester King (in my home country!)

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Do you have a few big meals throughout the day, or do you graze?

Selfies:  Pro or just can't?

TOP THREE FAVE MOVIES (that you can think of right this minute)?

Do you have a favorite brewery or brew you like to enjoy on a random Tuesday (or whenever)?